Number of energy facilities in N.C.
863
Photovoltaic
646
Geothermal
77
Solar thermal
12
Landfill gas
10
Biomass
9
Wind
House Bill 298to be heard in the public utilities and energy committee Wednesday, April 24, at noonwould dismantle the state’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and tax credits for clean energy. Yet a new report shows that from 2007 to 2012, those and similar programs contributed $1.7 billion to North Carolina’s economy. [Read the full report.]
State incentives for renewable power and efficiency, which include tax credits, totaled $72 million, according to the study conducted by RTI International and La Capra for the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association.
Governmental energy programs saved $427 million. Although ratepayers haven’t saved moneyor spent moreas a result of clean energy projects, within less than 15 years, the switch is expected to save $173 million.THE ENERGIZERSCounties with the greatest investments in renewable energy projectsRankCountyDirect investments (millions) 1 Davidson $130.3 2 Robeson $125.2 3 Person $109.6 4 Beaufort $49.8 5 Cabarrus $49.0 6 Wake $36.6 7 Catawba $25.5 8 Cleveland $24.8 9 Duplin $24.4 10 Mecklenburg $23.5 14 Chatham $18.3 20 Durham $12.2 46 Orange $1.0 Source: N.C. Sustainable Energy Association, which commissioned a report by RTI International and La Capra Associates
